1987 Dodge Raider problems

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The Mitsubishi Raider is a pickup truck from Mitsubishi Motors that debuted in the fall of 2005 as a 2006 model for the United States market and is based largely on the Dodge Dakota. The name is recycled from the Dodge Raider SUV sold from 1987 to 1990, which was a rebadged Mitsubishi Montero.

The Raider filled the gap in the Mitsubishi lineup since the discontinuation of the Mighty Max in 1996. Though Mitsubishi was still building their own Triton at the time, it would have been subject to the chicken tax, while an American-built pickup was not. Chrysler manufactured the Raider alongside the Dakota at their Warren Truck Assembly plant in Warren, Michigan, but they were sent to Normal, Illinois, for installation of some Mitsubishi-specific parts and for distribution. Engine choices had included a 4.7 L PowerTech V8 making 230 hp (172 kW) and 290 lb⋅ft (393 N⋅m) and a 3.7 L PowerTech V6 which produced 210 hp (157 kW) and 210 lb⋅ft (285 N⋅m), though by the 2008 model year, only the 3.7 L V6 was available.

Early sales were disappointing, at only one tenth of the Dakota's. As Mitsubishi dealers reportedly had a six-month supply of Raiders on their lots the company was obligated to request that DaimlerChrysler cut production. 9,861 Raiders were built in 2005, and just 297 more were built from the first of the year through March 11, 2006. New for 2006 was the "slammed" DuroCross version, which has lower suspension and an aggressive body kit. The DuroCross had a low payload, of only 1,180 lb (540 kg) and lost most of its off-roading abilities. Approximately 8,200 Raiders were sold in 2007.

A concept truck was rebadged as the Street Raider and designed by Mitsubishi's California design studio. It first appeared at the 2005 SEMA automotive show and since then has been shown at various automotive shows around the United States. It includes 22 inch custom wheels, custom dual exhaust, and a lowered stance among other features not found on a stock Raider. The Street Raider carries a mooted price tag of $60,000, although there are no current plans to sell it.

1987 Dodge Raider

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Common 1987 Dodge Raider problems

The Dodge Raider, introduced in 1987, is a compact SUV based on the Mitsubishi Pajero. While it shares many components with its Mitsubishi counterpart, there are some common issues that owners have reported over the years.

  • Suspension Issues: The Raider's suspension system has been criticized for its lack of durability, with owners reporting issues such as worn-out bushings, broken springs, and leaking shocks. These problems can negatively impact the vehicle's handling and ride quality, making it less enjoyable to drive.
  • Electrical Problems: The Dodge Raider has been known to experience electrical issues, including malfunctioning gauges, faulty wiring, and blown fuses. These problems can be frustrating for owners and can lead to reduced vehicle reliability.
  • Interior Quality: The Raider's interior has been criticized for its lack of durability and quality, with owners reporting issues such as worn-out upholstery, broken seat adjusters, and malfunctioning climate control systems. These problems can make the vehicle less comfortable and less enjoyable to drive.
  • Body Rust: The Dodge Raider has been known to experience body rust, particularly in areas such as the wheel wells, rocker panels, and door sills. This can lead to reduced vehicle safety and reduced resale value.
  • Poor Fuel Economy: The Raider's 2.6L engine has been criticized for its poor fuel economy, with owners reporting average fuel consumption of around 18-20 mpg. This can be a significant drawback for owners who use the vehicle for daily commuting or long trips.
  • Parts Availability: While the Raider shares many components with the Mitsubishi Pajero, some parts can be difficult to find, particularly for older models. This can make repairs more expensive and time-consuming for owners.

In conclusion, while the Dodge Raider is a capable off-road vehicle, it has been known to experience a number of common issues that can impact its reliability, performance, and overall value. Owners should be aware of these issues and budget accordingly for potential repairs and maintenance.

1987 Dodge Raider engine

What engine is in a 1987 Dodge Raider?

The well-known Mitsubishi 2.6-liter four-cylinder (complete with balance shafts) sends its 109 horsepower through either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Part-time 4wd, a two-speed transfer case, and automatically locking front hubs are standard equipment.

How many miles per gallon does a Dodge Raider get?

The Raider was relatively fuel-efficient for an SUV. The 2.6L four-cylinder engine achieved an EPA-estimated 18 city/21 highway mpg, while the 3.0L V6 engine achieved an EPA-estimated 16 city/19 highway mpg.

Is the Dodge Raider a Mitsubishi?

The Mitsubishi Raider is a pickup truck from Mitsubishi Motors that debuted in the fall of 2005 as a 2006 model for the United States market and is based largely on the Dodge Dakota. The name is recycled from the Dodge Raider SUV sold from 1987 to 1990, which was a rebadged Mitsubishi Montero.

How much horsepower does a 1988 Dodge Raider have?

Later first-gen Pajeros/Monteros/Raiders could be purchased with an optional 6G72 V6 engine, but the 1987-1988 Raiders got the 2.6-liter Astron four-cylinder, rated at 109 horsepower.

What engine is in a 1987 Dodge Raider?

The well-known Mitsubishi 2.6-liter four-cylinder (complete with balance shafts) sends its 109 horsepower through either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Part-time 4wd, a two-speed transfer case, and automatically locking front hubs are standard equipment.

Is the Dodge Raider a Mitsubishi?

The Mitsubishi Raider is a pickup truck from Mitsubishi Motors that debuted in the fall of 2005 as a 2006 model for the United States market and is based largely on the Dodge Dakota. The name is recycled from the Dodge Raider SUV sold from 1987 to 1990, which was a rebadged Mitsubishi Montero.

What engine is in a 1988 Dodge Raider?

Later first-gen Pajeros/Monteros/Raiders could be purchased with an optional 6G72 V6 engine, but the 1987-1988 Raiders got the 2.6-liter Astron four-cylinder, rated at 109 horsepower.

What engine is in a 1989 Dodge Raider?

Specifications for Dodge Raider 3.0 V6 4x4 Automatic, 145hp, 1989 4-speed.

1987 Dodge Raider car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Raider problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Seat belts problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Dodge Raider vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1987 Dodge Raider complaints

The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Dodge Raider.

2003-05-01

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-05-01
  • VIN: JB7FJ43E7HJ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE REAR SEAT BELT COULD NOT ACCOMMODATE A NORMAL SIZE PERSON WITH A 34 INCH WAIST. *NLM
2002-06-21

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-05-31
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JB7FJ43EAHJ
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH VEHICLE STARTED TO BUCK, THEN ACCELERATED. CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES, BUT COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE, REARENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED, NO INJURIES.*AK
2002-04-12

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-03-24
  • Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
1996-11-25

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JB7FJ43E3HJ
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: THE STRUCTURE HOUSING ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPER IS DEFECTIVE, AND WIPERS DON'T WORK . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
1995-05-30

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-05-30
  • VIN: JB7FJ43E5HJ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S BELT RETRACTING MECHANISM SPRUNG, RESULTING IN STRAP NOT RETRACTING COMPLETLY WHEN BELT IS RELEASED.
1995-05-30

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-05-30
  • VIN: JB7FJ43E5HJ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE CRACKED, CAUSING DIFFICULTY INSERTING BUCKLE WITHOUT JAMMING AND WON'T ALWAYS GO ALL THE WAY IN. *SKD
1995-05-03

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-04-02
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JB7FJ43EXHJ
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY TOOK OFF BACKWARDS INTO A TREE, THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN OFF. TT
1995-03-02

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-11
  • VIN: JB7FJ43E7HJ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT LATCH WILL NOT REMAIN ENGAGED INTO RECEIVER; DRIVER UNRESTRAINED. TT

1987 Dodge Raider recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 Dodge Raider.

1995-05-24
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
  • Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
1993-07-22
  • Manufacturer: REESE PRODUCTS, INC
  • Components: TRAILER HITCHES
  • Summary: THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.
  • Consequence: IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.
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More sources of information about 1987 Dodge Raider problems:

1987 DODGE RAIDER ..what are all the major issues? : r/4x4
1987 DODGE RAIDER ..what are all the major issues? : r/4x4
https://www.reddit.com/r/4x4/comments/1927gto/1987_dodge_raider_what_are_all_the_major_issues/

Jan 9, 2024 ... It's an 80's Japanese 4x4, which means it's dead nuts reliable as long as you keep up on maintenance, and dog slow. They weren't built to go ...

Dodge Raider Reviews, Page 13 of 15 - Carsurvey.org
Dodge Raider Reviews, Page 13 of 15 - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/dodge/raider/page-13/

1987 Dodge Raider 2.6 L from North America ... Engine and transmission, 2.6 L Manual ... This truck has had a lot of problems, and not just little things either.

Anyone have a dodge raider or 2dr Montero? Pro's con's. We're in ...
Anyone have a dodge raider or 2dr Montero? Pro's con's. We're in ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/4x4/comments/48y9nq/anyone_have_a_dodge_raider_or_2dr_montero_pros/

Mar 4, 2016 ... Mitsubishi engine is great. Upvote 1. Downvote ... I bought an 87' 4 cyl manual back in October and ... Luckily I've had little problems with it ...

Learn me Dodge Raider?| Grassroots Motorsports forum |
Learn me Dodge Raider?| Grassroots Motorsports forum |
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/learn-me-dodge-raider/157822/page1/

More notably, seems like most of the ones I see for cheap have shot engines. Seems like the 6G72 V6 can be found in about a dozen common ...

1988 Dodge Raider Comments (r10391)
1988 Dodge Raider Comments (r10391)
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/dodge/raider/r10391/comments/

May 8, 2001 ... Bought my 1987 Raider with 160,000 miles on it -- now I'm up to 173,000 with no problems worth mentioning. It has to be one of the greatest 4x4 ...

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